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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Making
a living from your craft should be simple. You are talented and skilled at
making beautiful and unique objects. You toil, sweat and pour your heart into
them. Your hand-crafted objects should return the favor. They should provide
you with the basic comforts of a good life. They should pay all your bills,
your retirement and health benefits and future investments, travel and college
funds for your kids. Is this too much to ask? Most definitely not.

Your
craft can pay you, but you must do two things. First, you must make a simple
plan. Second, you must adopt a simple daily practice.

There
are three elements to the daily practice. The first is to work on connecting
with your people everyday – whether
it’s sending a handwritten note, working on a mailing or posting on Facebook.
The second element is to seek new opportunities. You will take about 15 minutes
each day to look for something that will enhance, change or grow your business.
The third and final element of the daily practice will happen weekly- you will
take about 1 hour to review your numbers and your plan.

This
daily practice eases you into a habit. Instead of waiting for that “one big
call or email” you are making things happen for you. You are nurturing
collaborations – whether they become fans, resources, or customers. You will
need people to support your business. You are also seeking opportunities that
fit your plan. If you like staying home and enjoy being on your own– you will
look for opportunities that help you do exactly that. Finally, you are
carefully tracking your numbers- which will turn your plan into real life
experiences.

After
nearly 10 years as full-time crafters Ben and I have developed some effective
habits. We’ve made many mistakes over the years – but these habits have kept us
on track. Our consistent effort to plan, keep in touch and always look for new
opportunities is what has kept us growing our business year after year. I have
no doubt that you can do it too.

How
will you make a consistent effort to stay connected? What opportunities will
you seek today?